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Baptism: Jesus is Baptized

Teacher's Guide - this is just one possible lesson plan.  Visit the Jesus is Baptized Bible Lesson Plan Section for further ideas to supplement this.

Introduction:

This lesson will help younger children to understand baptism better.  Why we do it and why God wants us to do it.  Jesus was immersed and  baptized as an adult so the lesson will explain that part of baptism.  I understand that there are different methods of baptism (sprinkling and child baptism) but since the Bible explains it this way, I prefer to make the message as simple and close to the story as possible to make it easier to understand.  If those other methods are practiced in your church my hope is that it will be easier to explain after this lesson.

The message:  

Preschool thru Grade 1: Jesus shows us how to get baptized.
  
Grades 2 and 3: Jesus is baptized as an example to us.

I've split this message into two separate ones depending on the age level.  For the younger children, the message is simple: Jesus shows us how to get baptized.  Because Jesus gets baptized it is important for us too.  For the older children, we expand on this message and say that Jesus gets baptized as an example to us.  

Make sure you repeat the message many times during the lesson.  Send the Jesus is Baptized Take Home Sheet  home with the children to encourage parents to reiterate the message during the week.  It includes a poster at the bottom that the children can color and hang on their wall or refrigerator. 

Preview of the lesson:

Some people like to do craft time first and story time second and some like to switch it around.  I like the first option, myself.

Always consider offering a Mini Book,  Coloring Pages or you could look at the Misc. Bible Coloring Pages for children who aren't interested in participating in the group activity (or if you get done the group activities very quickly and need something to fill in the spare time).  Everyone has a need for "alone time" once in awhile.  Also, sending home the mini book, coloring pages with the Take Home sheet provides parents with much needed help in reinforcing the lessons.  You can make a nice little booklet each week with the take home sheet on top -- I promise that most parents will appreciate the effort! 

Description

Time Allotted

Supplies
Welcome!  

Receive name tags.  Have the children use crayons, markers, yarn, feathers and whatever other materials (such as sparkle glue) that you have available to personalize their name tag.

Sing the Learning our Names song

 10 to 15 minutes Dove name tags, or Ocean name tags scissors (or adults can precut),  crayons, markers, yarn, safety pins or tape.

Craft time!

Preschool thru Grade 1: Make the Flying Dove Paper Craft.  The kids can each make there own dove to take home or another option is that everyone could help make a dove mobile for the classroom.  It might be a good time to talk about the dove, and who the dove was in the story.

Grade 2 and 3:  Make Dove tp roll Craft.  With this craft you'll find a song you can use once the craft is completed for a little extra fun.  Talk about what they think doves symbolize.  The dove is a universal symbol of peace and innocence, as well as the Holy Spirit.  Remind them about Noah's Ark and the dove that brought back the olive leaf.

 

 15 to 30 minutes 
depending on your
adult/child ratio		 Preschool thru Grade 1: Flying Dove Template printer, small square tissue paper, glue, scissors, something to color with, piece of paper. OPTIONAL: wiggly eyes.

Grade 2 and 3: Dove tp roll Template. printer, toilet roll, scissors, glue, crayons, paper.

Bible Story:

Preschool thru Grade 1:  Read The Story of Jesus Baptism (or read from your own store bought children's bible).   

Grades 2 and 3:  It's tough to know when it's the right time to start readings from the Bible, but if the children have been read a children's version of the story in the past, I believe this is a good age to introduce the King James (or your preferred) bible reading. 

 10 minutes The Mini Book or Coloring Pages can be distributed to the children so they are able to color at home, or during the story.  Or use a page for each lesson plan to have the children color to form a book at the end of the life of Jesus. Print the pages, staple them together in order and let the kids know when to turn the page.  The handouts can be taken home to color in.

 

Closing:

Preschool thru Grade 1: depending on the time remaining ask the children if they've ever seen anyone get baptized.  Did they think it was scary, neat, or no big deal?  It is a big deal, that's why Jesus did it.  Ask them if they have anymore questions about baptism to clear up any confusion.  Even go take a look at the baptismal area for those that have never witnessed a baptism.

Grade 2 and 3:  depending on the time remaining allow the children to discuss what it means to be baptized.  Do they know someone who has been baptized?  Is this something they would someday be interested in doing?  Find out what some of the requirements are before becoming baptized in your church (baptism classes, etc.).  

All Grades: Have the John the Baptist snack to help reinforce the lesson.  Either make them together at the beginning of the lesson, or have them prepared for the end of class.

Standard ending song:  for example

We love to learn together, 
together, together
We love to learn together
And give thanks to God.

substitute "learn" for sing, pray, etc

(to the tune of The More We Get Together)

 5 to 15 minutes  

Brainstorm Board (chalkboard, whiteboard, poster board,...)

 

 

 

 

 

Words to:

standard ending song